Walmart Continues to Face Concerns From Councilors

Although t, it appears there might still be a bit of work to go before the project comes to residents.

The council approved two amendments and held lengthy discussions with THF Florissant representative Jeff Otto about other work needing to be done before their final vote at the April 9 meeting.

After the council did a second reading of the bill, Ward 7 Councilwoman Karen McKay voiced her concerns early in the discussion. She pointed out that above ground water and underground water retention system have both been said to be good and bad for a community.

However, she would prefer to see this development with an underground water detention system and rain gardens for the parking lot. Currently, the proposed development carries above ground water detention and rain gardens.

“We have no large projects in this city … that have above ground detention,” she said as she pointed to , , Grandview Plaza and Cross Keys as examples.

She then proposed an amendment that would call for underground detention and rain gardens, and the council approved it.

Otto said that the above ground water detention would save in costs and it would help with water quality standpoint.

Ward 3 Councilman Joe Eagan worried about the hours of operation and the availability of firearms during late-night hours. Otto said that there’s no security plans for the store at this time as it’s usually formed once the operation of the store comes closer.

Eagan proposed an amendment that would ask for a security officer, preferably an off-duty Florissant police officer, to be at the store between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The council approved the amendment.

A concern among most councilors remained the access to the business plaza across Sunswept. Several councilors pointed out that they would like an agreement in place to have the access as part of the plans before the council takes its final vote at its next meeting.

Otto said he’s not sure it’s possible to have an agreement in place.

The council postponed the third and final reading until its April 9 meeting.